‘We don’t have space for the band and orchestra to rehearse so these improvements are pretty necessary.

‘The community is upset because there were very clear promises made and there was a significant swing in that seat, and it’s very disappointing to have that ripped away.’

WA Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said the school had suffered ‘a major blow’ and would now need to reassess its upgrading plans.

‘Mt Hawthorn is a very popular school but some of the facilities are very old and so I know the school community was very much looking forward to that money,’ Mr McGowan said.

Perth MLA Eleni Evangel said the $750,000 would go towards extending the existing covered assembly area, and resurfacing of the playing courts, carpark, paths and driveway, with completion estimated by the end of 2014.

But it would not cover the cost of refurbishing the undercover area.

‘They will be part of the inner-city schools review as they are certainly in need of additional classroom space to accommodate the growing school population,’ she said.